5,414 Fined For Entering Divyangjan Coaches On Western Railway As Activists Demand Stricter Checks

In a recent crackdown, the Western Railway has fined 5,414 passengers for illegally boarding coaches designated for persons with disabilities between January and August 20, collecting ₹20.68 lakh in penalties. This development has sparked concerns among disability-rights activists who argue that regular inspections and more stringent enforcement measures are essential to maintain the safety and accessibility of these coaches.

The incident that triggered the controversy occurred on August 20 when a 62-year-old disabled passenger, Cajetan Denis Peris, was allegedly pushed from a moving train by 48-year-old Amajad Safriddin Shaikh, who boarded the train without a valid ticket. According to Western Railway, Shaikh was traveling in a Divyangjan compartment despite not being a person with a disability.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff conducted daily checks and special drives, resulting in 4,890 prosecutions under Section 155(1)(a) of the Railways Act, leading to a fine of ₹10.20 lakh, and an additional 524 cases under Section 155(1) of the Jan Vishwas Act, resulting in a fine of ₹10.48 lakh. These actions accounted for all 5,414 cases with a total recovery of ₹20.68 lakh.

Disability-rights activists, such as Nitin Gaikwad, president of Nirdhar Viklang Vikas Samajik Sangh, contend that the extent of unauthorized entries demonstrates the need for enhanced enforcement. They argue that increased regular checks and stricter penalties against rule violators are necessary to ensure that passengers with disabilities can travel safely and without overcrowding. The availability of these reserved coaches for those who depend on them is crucial for their safety and dignity while traveling.